Barrister John Donnelly, counsel for Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd, told Judge Jacqueline Linnane that Niall and Evelyn Shanahan had shown no interest in engaging with the bank or the court in proceedings to repossess their home.

Mr Donnelly, who appeared with Hugh J Ward and Co Solicitors for the bank, told the court the balance due on the mortgage on Woodley, Fosters Avenue, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin, was just under €1.2 million.

He said arrears on repayments alone totalled €357,000 and the last payment made on the property was on October 20, 2014.

Dara O'Loghlin, a solicitor with Hugh J Ward, told the court the property was the principal private residence of the defendants and as such came within the jurisdiction of the court.

Mr Donnelly told the court that the bank had managed to serve Mrs Shanahan with the proceedings but it appeared Mr Shanahan was currently residing in the UK.

He said Mr Shanahan was aware of the proceedings before the court but had not been taking any active part. It appeared there was an estrangement between the two defendants.

Judge Linnane said there was a total lack of interest by both parties in the proceedings and neither had appeared in court nor had any representation been made on their behalf.

"Obviously they have absolutely no interest in this debt," Judge Linnane said.

The judge adjourned the proceedings until November 24 and told the bank it could bring a motion on November 1 to seek an order for substituted service against Mr Shanahan.